BENGALURU: Women working in the information technology (IT) sector as well as entrepreneurs have slammed the state legislature committee’s recommendation to avoid night shifts for women.
Amrutha (name changed), who works with Accenture, asked why when there is talk of equality, women in IT industry are discouraged. “Women are there in every field. Crime against women happens during the day too. Does it mean they will recommend that women stop working during the day?” she asked. Adding that there is crime against women at home, from dowry to sexual harassment, she said, “Skirting the problem is not the solution.”
Pavithra (name changed), who works in an MNC, said that in her office, atleast six employees out of ten are women. “We do not have any problem working in night shift. Our office provides best security and transport. It in fact like daytime in office,’’ she said.
Abhishek Rungta, CEO, Indus Net Technologies, said he didn’t mind women working in night shifts provided they got adequate security.
“If women are comfortable in their workplaces and willing to work, why should they not be allowed to do night shifts? There should be work equality. However, the government and also the companies should ensure the security and safety of women,” he said.
Priya Krishnan, founder and CEO, Klay Schools said, “Instead of working to strengthen security measures that make women working on night shifts feel safe, the government is seemingly abdicating its responsibility on the issue.’’ She added that the authorities must know that women doing night shifts do so out of financial necessity.
Kathir, a forum for IT employees, too criticised the move. “It will affect equal opportunity provided to women. Government should ensure women’s safety irrespective of the shifts.”
However, some welcomed the move. Madhura (name changed), who works with Capgemini, said there is no problem with security. “For women, especially young mothers, it’s good to have a day shift. Also healthwise, day shift is always better,’’ she said.